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Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne

Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne
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Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne is a quick and comforting pasta dish combining al dente penne with a creamy ricotta cheese sauce, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. This recipe offers a vibrant, balanced flavor perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, delivering creamy comfort without heavy cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cups fresh cherry or Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Dairy & Oils

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated (optional, for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté the garlic and tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes and cook until softened and juicy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Make the ricotta sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts into the tomatoes creating a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked penne into the skillet with the tomato ricotta sauce. Gently mix to coat each piece evenly. Let warm together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add fresh basil and serve: Turn off the heat and fold in fresh torn basil leaves. Optionally sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added savory depth.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm for the best texture.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce if needed.
  • Always use freshly minced garlic for brighter flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic.
  • Add reserved pasta water slowly to achieve the ideal sauce consistency that lightly coats the pasta.
  • Add fresh basil right before serving to keep its flavor bright and prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato pasta, ricotta pasta, garlic pasta, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/tomato-garlic-ricotta-penne/